Extraordinary Philanthropists: The Board of Directors of IBWPPI

When Ka Flewellen and I acted on my vision to start the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute in 2009, there was no detailed plan in place. We knew, however, that the implementation and sustainability of this big vision would require a unique group of talented in piduals, who would sign-on

to be brand ambassadors, funders, volunteers extraordinaire, and in piduals with a strong faith in God.

As we close out 2021, in this last newsletter for the year, I want to introduce you to this unique group of women that have inspired me and deposited hope in the lives of thousands internationally and in the United States. These are the women who make up the Board of Directors for IBWPPI and the AdvisoryBoard.

Please allow me to call the roll and salute them:

These are the Extraordinary Philanthropists. Dedicated to serving the underserved. I am honored to be in community with each of you. May your Health, Joy, and Peace be multiplied in 2022.

Announcing the Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy Class of 2022

Congratulations to the new  2022 class of the Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy

• Felicity Ashun, Elimina, Ghana
• Shanice Battle, Georgia, USA
• Tshombc Buckman, North Carolina. USA
• Chantal Blanc-Charite, Nassau, Bahamas
• Teshieka Curtis-Pugh, Washington, DC, USA
• Brooke Floyd, Mississippi, USA
• Tinee Furbert, United Kingdom
• Ogechukwu lrono, Washington, DC USA
• Tiffany James, South Carolina, USA
• Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq, Guyana
• Annie McDaniel, South Carolina, USA
• Fadzai Mafudze, Zimbabwe
• Taylor Newkirk, Maryland, USA
• Angela Nijdeka Okafor, Nigeria
• Nnenna Onwuzo, Texas, USA
• Sharon Palacio, Belize
• Bridgette Rahming, Nassau, Bahamas
• Maria Reyes, South Carolina, USA
• Margie Scott, Louisiana, USA
• Myriam Mondestin Sorrentino, Haiti
• Brianna Smith, Texas, USA
• Karen Wright-Chisolm, South Carolina. USA

Meet the Distinguished Faculty and Coaches of the new 2022 class of Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy

Faculty

• Monorvi Asampong
• Lena Kennedy
• LaTosha Brown
• Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever
• Norbert Noguera
• Barbara Perkins
• Maxine Attong
• Kimberly Bassett
• Alicia Jacobs
• Tina McKinnor
• Hon. Katherine Smith

Coaches

• Barbara Sullivan
• Dr. Kim Cliett Long
• Kellie Todd
• Dr. Rhonda Glover-Reese
• Dr. Lula Bailey-Balton
• Michellene Davis
• Marcia Melancon
• Dr. Jennifer Jones

Membership Spotlight: Opal Enriquez

Opal Enriquez officially became a member of IBWPPI upon completion of the DIH Global Leadership Academy class of 2021. She has known President Perkins or as she sometimes calls her, “Mama Barbara” since they met at the Belize Consulate. President Perkins has worked with Opal as her personal mentor since 2015 and has continued to be a source of support for Opal, even as she enrolled in the DIH Global Leadership Academy.

Opal has experienced many achievements in recent years, including but not limited to her All-natural Skincare Line: Opal’s Glow. She has also been a frontline medical worker for about 20 years and is currently serving on the COVID-19 frontline as a Neonatal and Pediatric Clinical Specialist in Respiratory Care.

This past summer, Opal was able to teach newborn resuscitation to nurses and
midwives in the Cordelia-Sutherland Birthing Center, a clinic IBWPPI helps fund. Being privileged enough to work in US hospitals with an influx of resources and adequate nurses presented Opal with a humbling experience to understand and learn from others when she arrived in Ghana. Opal was able to interact with women who have different clinical knowledge and methodologies in the field. She noticed their passion and instinct and was able to connect with them from a medical perspective and aided them in making their nursing practices more convenient and modernized.

Opal has been doing work as a Belizean ambassador for years and has recently recruited the Mayor of Belize as a candidate for the 2022 Class of the Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy! This connection with the Mayor has provided her with the opportunity to be awarded a key to the city of Belize and many other accolades. Opal’s time with IBWPPI has taught her the importance of learning the difference between recognition and calling in one’s life!

Message from Membership

IBWPPI invites you to either join or renew your annual membership with us as we enter the New Year. Join as a new member or renew your membership online.

As we continue to adjust to the new normal, we want IBWPPI to be a home for Black women who want to connect, heal and support one another. Consider gifting yourself with membership and joining a network of global Black women.

Thanks from your Membership Coordinator, Taylor Newkirk

Why Join IBWPPI?

IBWPPI started 13 years ago in the spirit of global unity and sisterhood. Our mission is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. We thank our members and ask that you continue

Join IBWPPI